It's a fascinating and rigorous scientific discipline that will build your knowledge of biology and chemistry, as well as your advanced problem-solving, data interpretation and communication skills.

Covering crime scenes, laboratory and courtroom work, forensic science offers a springboard into rewarding careers in the justice system and beyond.

Why UWE Bristol?

BSc(Hons) Forensic Science is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. It was designed with input from professional forensic scientists to give you a deep understanding of the way science is used to investigate crime.

With a strong emphasis on problem-solving and communicating scientific findings, you'll study everything from crime scene investigation and laboratory analysis, to interpreting, evaluating and presenting evidence.

Learn to use forensic instruments in our industry-standard laboratories.

Guest lectures from inspirational professionals will give you insights into specialist topics and you can tailor the degree to suit your specific interests.

You'll be encouraged to do summer internships and placements, and you can apply to spend a year studying abroad.

Where can it take me?

The knowledge and skills you'll gain will open up lots of career paths.

You could work with forensic science providers or the Police, or as a laboratory analyst. Many students do postgraduate study, particularly in toxicology, forensic anthropology, osteology and archaeology.

Your analytical approach to problem-solving will be just as valued in other sectors, like teaching or the legal profession.

Accreditations and partnerships:

Content

The optional modules listed are those that are most likely to be available, but they may be subject to change.

Year one

You will study:

Chemistry in Context

Human Biological Systems

Scientific Investigation of Crime

Scientific Skills.

Year two

You will study:

Forensic Analysis

Law and Expert Evidence

Drugs and Toxicology.

Plus one combination of modules from:

Forensic Biology and Molecular Genetics

Instrumental Analytical Science and Molecular Genetics

Instrumental Analytical Science and Medicinal Chemistry.

Final year

You will study:

Forensic Project.

Plus one combination of modules from:

Advanced Analytical Science; and Forensic Analysis and Toxicology

Forensic Biology and Genetics; and Genomic Technologies.

Plus one optional module from:

Pathophysiology

Pharmacology and Toxicology

Forensic Psychology

Professional Practices in Applied Science*.

And one optional module from:

Neuropharmacology

Science Communication

Environmental Forensics.

*Compulsory if you do a placement.

You can get a balanced forensic science degree by studying one biology and one chemistry option in year two, and then choosing the options that appeal to you in year three.

Alternatively, you can choose a specialist route in years two and three, which means you'll have Forensic Science or Forensic Science in your degree title.

We can advise you on which modules to choose and the implications for your career and your membership of the professional bodies.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we will inform you.

Learning and Teaching

Through a balanced mix of lectures, tutorials, workshops and laboratory work, you'll learn about the practical application of forensic science, and develop strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Learn about three main areas: biological sciences, especially DNA analysis and the action of drugs on the body; chemical analysis and techniques for examining inanimate objects; and forensic science topics, such as fingerprinting, document examination and crime scene procedures.

You'll also learn about legal aspects of forensic evidence and carry out an independent research project.

Search a crime scene at the Crime Scene House, examine the evidence, write a report for court and face questioning in our mock courtroom.

Attend guest lectures with professionals from forensic science, through our links with the Avon and Somerset Constabulary Scientific Investigations and a local Home Office forensic pathologist.

Learn about the problem solving approaches which sit at the heart of forensic science, and learn how to communicate scientific findings.

Assessment

We'll assess your coursework in all three years and you'll have examinations in all modules, although the assessments in year one won't contribute to your final degree mark. Your final year project is also assessed.

We use different types of assessment to reflect the range of theoretical concepts, knowledge and practical skills we cover on the course.

Professional accreditation

This course is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciencesin all the relevant component standards: crime scene investigation, laboratory analysis and interpretation, evaluation and presentation of evidence. We were one of the first universities to be accredited when the scheme began in 2006.

Typical offers

Tariff points: 120

GCSE: For all applicants, Grade C/4 or above in English Language, Mathematics and Double Science, or equivalent. Please note the University does not accept Level 2 Key Skills, Functional Skills or Certificates in Adult Numeracy and Literacy as suitable alternatives to GCSEs.

A-level subjects: Grade B or above in Biology or Chemistry. Points from A-Level General Studies and AS-Level subjects (not taken onto full A-Level) can be included towards overall tariff. You must have a minimum of two A-Levels.

Specific subjects: Biology, Chemistry

EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: To include six units in Biology or Chemistry.

Access: Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma; to include 15 level 3 credits at distinction in Biology or Chemistry, and an additional 15 credits at merit in another subject.

Baccalaureate IB: A minimum grade of 6 in higher level Biology or Chemistry.

Entry requirements

If you don't meet the entry requirements of this course, you may be eligible for Foundation Year entry into this or other related degree courses.

UWE Bristol's International CollegeIf you are an international students who does not meet the academic or English language requirements to study this course, you can qualify by completing preparatory study at our International College.